Tallinn << TAHL lihn >> (pop. 437,817) is the capital and largest city of Estonia. It lies on the northern coast of Estonia, along the Gulf of Finland.
Tallinn is an important industrial and cultural center and seaport. Its industries include food processing and the manufacture of electronics, industrial machinery, metals, and textiles. The city is best known for its many beautiful churches, castles, and other buildings that were erected from the 1200’s to the 1500’s.
Tallinn was founded in 1219 by Danish forces that conquered the Estonians settled in the area. The city was the capital of the independent nation of Estonia from 1918 to 1940. In 1940, the Soviets seized Estonia and forced it to become part of the Soviet Union. In September 1991, Estonia became an independent nation again.
